formality
Americannoun
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condition or quality of being formal; accordance with required or traditional rules, procedures, etc.; conventionality.
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rigorously methodical character.
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strict adherence to established rules and procedures; rigidity.
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observance of form or ceremony.
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marked or excessive ceremoniousness.
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an established order or method of proceeding.
the formalities of judicial process.
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a formal act or observance.
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something done merely or mainly for form's sake; a requirement of custom or etiquette.
the formality of a thank-you note.
noun
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a requirement of rule, custom, etiquette, etc
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the condition or quality of being formal or conventional
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strict or excessive observance of form, ceremony, etc
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an established, proper, or conventional method, act, or procedure
Etymology
Origin of formality
From the Latin word fōrmālitās, dating back to 1525–35. See formal 1, -ity
Explanation
A formality is something that follows traditional rules. Even though you knew your request for time off at work would be approved, you still went through the formality of filling out all the required paperwork. Formality also means to align with customs or etiquette. In this way, a formality is often something that's more symbolic than necessary. For example, when a big group sits down to eat dinner together, no one starts eating until everyone is served. That formality of dining etiquette is a sign of good manners and consideration for others. If you're British, a formality of your culture is to curtsy or bow when you meet the Queen.
Vocabulary lists containing formality
TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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Shape Up: Form
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And Then There Were None
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Havens and Elayyne started planning the wedding, waiting for what they thought would just be a formality: the signature of the governor of Washington state.
From Slate • May 2, 2026
Diversification isn’t a formality: Since no one knows the winners across the AI ecosystem, your AI exposure should be broad, rather than centered on one or two hotshots.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026
But there is another aspect of things worth exploring here, beyond the formality of Washington's requests, and the informality of the president both in private and in public.
From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026
There was a time when a certain level of written formality was expected of people in power.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026
The meet seemed like a formality, and no home meet had ever felt that way before.
From "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" by emily m. danforth
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
